MnDOT says crews have been working hard to make up for lost time since the three week government shutdown in July. Fortunately, warm and dry weather conditions helped them to finish up about 250 projects.

The last day of summer brought winter weather in northern Minnesota. A tenth of an inch of snow fell in Duluth Friday night, the earliest measurable snowfall in 17 years. Hibbing received about 1/4 to 1/2 inch as well.

The Twin Cities could get nearly an inch of rain Thursday as temperatures drop during the day, leaving the possibility for a little slush and snow, but no accumulation. It was already snowing early Thursday in western parts of the state as the cold front moves in. Areas in the northern part of the state could get 2-3 inches of snow on the grass, forecasters say.

Organizers of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will meet next Sunday. The mild and dry winter is forcing them to decide whether the scheduled January 29 event has to be canceled or postponed. The Duluth News Tribune reports the lack of snow caused the race to be canceled in 2007.

Transit workers say they ready to wrap up the two-year project and reopen all lanes if the weather is dry. Unfortunately, forecasters are predicting a 40 percent chance of rain or snow. The "mega project" has caused some severe headaches for drivers.

The 126th St. Paul Winter Carnival will go on, but without the annual snow sculpture contest. Due to the lack of snow this winter, organizers made the decision to cancel it, but the carnival will still have ice carving. The St. Paul Winter Carnival is set to take place January 26 through February 5.